Dimethylglyoxime

Dimethylglyoxime is a chemical compound described by the formula CH₃C(NOH)C(NOH)CH₃. It is the dioxime derivative of the diketone diacetyl (also known as 2,3-butanedione). DmgH₂ is used in the analysis of palladium or nickel. Its coordination complexes are of theoretical interest as models for enzymes and as catalysts. Many related ligands can be prepared from other diketones, e.g. benzil.

Additional recommended knowledge

Guide to balance cleaning: 8 simple steps

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

Daily Visual Balance Check

Preparation

Dimethylglyoxime can be prepared from methyl ethyl ketone first by reaction with ethylnitrite followed by conversion of the biacetyl monoxime using sodium hydroxylamine monosulfonate:^[1]

CH₃C(O)CH₂CH₃ + CH₃CH₂ONO → CH₃C(O)C(NOH)CH₃ + CH₃CH₂OH

CH₃C(O)C(NOH)CH₃ + HONHSO₃Na → CH₃C(NOH)C(NOH)CH₃ + NaHSO₄

Ni(dmgH)₂

 As an analytical reagent, dmgH2 is often used as a solution in ethanol. It is the conjugate base, not dmgH₂ itself, that forms the complexes. Furthermore, a pair of dmgH^- ligands are joined through hydrogen bonds to give a macrocyclic ligand. The most famous complex is the bright red Ni(dmgH)₂, formed by treatment of Ni(II) sources with dmgH₂. This planar complex is very poorly soluble and is used for the gravimetric determination of nickel, e.g. in ores.

Cobaloximes

The nitrogen atoms in dmgH₂ and its complexes are sp² hybridized.^[2] Because of the planarity of the resulting ligand, the macrocycle [dmgH]₂^2- resembles some biologically important macrocyclic ligands, as found for example in vitamin B12 and myoglobin. A well known family of model complexes, the cobaloximes, have the formula CoR(dmgH)₂L, where R is an alkyl group and L is typically pyridine. In this complex, L and R occupy “axial” positions on the cobalt, perpendicular to the plane of the (dmgH)₂.

References

1. ^ Semon, W. L.; Damerell, V. R. (1943). "Dimethylglyoxime". Org. Synth.; Coll. Vol. 2: 204. 
2. ^ Girolami, G.. S.; Rauchfuss, T.B.; Angelici, R. J. (1999). Synthesis and Technique in Inorganic Chemistry: A Laboratory Manual, 3rd Ed, pp. 213-215.